hungry

adjective

hun·​gry ˈhəŋ-grē 

hungrier; hungriest

1

a

: feeling an uneasy or painful sensation from lack of food : feeling hunger

b

: characterized by or characteristic of hunger or appetite

a wolf with hungry eyes

2

a

: eager, avid

hungry for affection

b

: strongly motivated (as by ambition)

hungry investors

a power-hungry politician

3

: not rich or fertile : barren

a hungry soil

hungrily

ˈhəŋ-grə-lē 

adverb

hungriness

ˈhəŋ-grē-nəs 

noun

Synonyms of hungry

• starving
• starved

Examples of hungry in a Sentence

There are millions of hungry people throughout the world.

That girl is always hungry.

The prisoners' families were hungry for more information.

They were hungry to learn more.

Recent Examples on the Web

Some hungry locals, unaware of the recent fraud bust, were left confused to see El Primo. —Tim Dunn, Boston Herald, 6 Feb. 2026

In the end, the name didn’t matter, at least to the hundred or so hungry people who turned out for the 3rd annual Golden Croissant, a friendly baking competition held at Rebel Bread in Denver. —Miguel Otárola, Denver Post, 6 Feb. 2026

According to the Wells Fargo Agri-Food Institute, hosting a Super Bowl party in 2026 will cost approximately $140 for a group of 10 hungry and thirsty fans. —Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 6 Feb. 2026

The Seahawks are loose but hungry for victory. —Hannah Keyser, CNN Money, 6 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English hungrig; akin to Old English hungor

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing hungry

• go hungry

Kids Definition

hungry

adjective

hun·​gry ˈhəŋ-grē 

hungrier; hungriest

1

: feeling or showing hunger

2

: eager, avid

hungry for all the details

hungrily

-grə-lē 

adverb